Red Mansion: Picking up a Lin Daiyu

Chapter 536 Extra 3
"Master Hou."

Xue Baochai walked lightly into the hall and took over from Shi Xiangyun.

Just as Yue Ling remembered, Xue Baochai always maintained this dignified demeanor.

"The matter of going to sea depends entirely on you and Baoqin in coordinating things. Thank you for your hard work."

Yue Ling invited her to sit down and offered her a bowl of tea.

Xue Baochai picked up the teacup, brought it to her lips and took a small sip, then looked up and met Yue Ling's gaze.

Having not seen each other for many years, the two were at a loss for words, making it the most peaceful meeting they had ever had.

Moreover, the feeling Yue Ling had of Xue Baochai was quite different from before; at least the strong fragrance on her body seemed to have faded considerably.

"Have you thought it through? Are you really going to come out to sea with us? You built the Feng brand, which spans the north and south of Dachang, and now you're just going to abandon it like this?"

Xue Baochai smiled and said, "I didn't build Feng brand by myself. It's all thanks to the Marquis's efforts that it is where it is today. If we're talking about giving it up, I'll be reluctant to part with it, but even now I still believe in the Marquis's choice."

With her eyes slightly lowered, Xue Baochai continued, "The affairs of Feng Company will be handled by Baoqin's elder brother, Xue Ke. If the Marquis has any intention of returning, this place will still be used by the Marquis."

Yue Ling smiled and took her hand. His palm was no longer as hot as it used to be, as if he were holding a small stove.

Perhaps it's because she's now more open-minded and can let go of things easily.

"My lord, is there anything else you wish to ask?"

Seeing Yue Ling's face covered in hickeys, seemingly oblivious and staring intently at her, Xue Baochai couldn't help but chuckle and said, "My lord, if you have anything else to say, then wait until our wedding night to ask. But, on that day, please remember to let me be the last one."

Then Xue Baochai lowered her body, tilted her head back, and filled the gap on Yue Lingyu's chin, gently sucking on it.

She smiled charmingly, like a peony in full bloom, "I won't waste any more time, Lin Daiyu is still waiting outside."

Yue Ling tugged at her skirt, pressing for an answer to her question, "They all wanted me to go first, why did you insist on being the last?"

Xue Baochai smiled and bowed slightly, saying, "Because the last one will allow me to sleep with the Marquis until dawn."

It must be said that Xue Baochai's charming appearance touched Yue Ling's heart.

However, the person he couldn't forget walked in next.

Today, Lin Daiyu is wearing a white jacket with a light red floral print, paired with a bright red pleated skirt with scattered flowers. She looks both fresh and charming, and her outfit is just right.

As soon as he entered, those two delicately arched eyebrows, seemingly furrowed yet not quite, were etched into Yue Ling's eyes.

With a troubled expression, she used a light pink handkerchief to support Yue Ling's cheeks, looking him over from side to side. She said coquettishly, "These sisters really don't leave a single blank space. They treat my face like a masterpiece, leaving their marks on it one by one."

"They've covered me up to the back of my ears and my neck, leaving me nowhere clean! Now it's their turn to be smug, and you're not even trying to control yourself."

"Whatever the occasion, they'd put their arms around each other's shoulders and kiss every inch of each other's lips. If there were more people around, wouldn't they have to wipe their faces clean and kiss them all over again?"

Yue Ling smiled awkwardly, and was about to say something to make amends when he saw Lin Daiyu soak a handkerchief in tea and vigorously rub it on Yue Ling's face.

Afraid of not cleaning it thoroughly enough, I wiped the remaining marks several times.

Finally, satisfied, he cupped Yue Ling's face in his hands and kissed her on the lips.

After a long while, with a soft breath, Lin Daiyu said, seemingly satisfied, "It's alright, there's no strange taste."

Yue Ling shook his head helplessly.

Holding Yue Ling's neck, Lin Daiyu's eyes were filled with deep affection. "Xueyan's little girl hasn't been given a proper name yet. There's only one child in the manor, so it's best if you, the head of the household, name her."

Yue Ling pondered for a moment and said, "How about we just name it Meng?"

"Yue Meng? The Book of Songs, Bin Feng, Dong Shan: I come from the east, the rain is misty. Yue means mountain, Meng means rain, one mountain and one river, one strong and one gentle, it's really quite good."

Lin Daiyu nodded slightly, quite satisfied. When she raised her eyebrows again, the tenderness in her eyes had already touched Yue Ling's heart.

"Xueyan's daughter is so cute, I want one too."

Yue Ling immediately scooped Lin Daiyu up in his arms and walked into the inner room with a smile, saying, "One is too few, ten would be more like it!"

Lin Daiyu was startled for a moment, then patted Yue Ling's shoulders with both hands and said coquettishly, "You're so annoying!"

……

Zhigu Port, Wharf

The sea breeze howls, and a thousand sails blot out the sun.

Dozens of treasure ships, each nearly fifty feet tall, were moored on the shore, resembling a mobile fortress.

On the deck, countless soldiers, craftsmen, and sailors stood in a dark mass, all their eyes focused on a figure on the dock.

On the shore, the crowds were even more overwhelming. Civil and military officials, the three princes, and countless civilians who had rushed to the scene, along with soldiers and officers maintaining order, blocked the entire port.

Many who followed the Duke of Dingguo to sea to make a living will now bid farewell to their families and embark on an unknown journey.

Nevertheless, some people still wept with regret for not being able to obtain a ticket.

The officials saw him off in silence, none of them daring to speak to Yue Ling. The three princes, fully aware of their crimes, stopped a few feet away from Yue Ling and bowed respectfully.

Yue Ling looked around and was truly amazed by the sight of the huge crowds.

When his gaze fell upon the three princes, Yue Ling showed the same kindness he would show to a junior.

They pinned their hopes on the prevailing public sentiment today, hoping it would become the final consideration when the three leaders were in power.

"No need to see me off. After returning to the capital, you must remain true to yourselves, be diligent in your duties, and not break your promise to His Majesty."

The three said in unison, "We will follow your teachings."

As Yue Ling turned around, about to step onto the plank bridge and board the boat, a group of eunuchs dressed in crimson palace robes rode up from afar.

The leading eunuch in charge of the seal shouted, "Duke Dingguo, wait! His Majesty has issued a decree! Duke Dingguo, wait! His Majesty has issued a decree!"

The sudden arrival of palace staff shattered the harmonious scene that resembled a painting.

Upon hearing the words "His Majesty has decreed," Yue Ling turned around and bowed one last time to receive the decree.

However, as soon as he bent his knees slightly, the Grand Eunuch Chen Ju stopped him, saying, "Duke Dingguo need not kneel to receive the imperial edict. Everyone else shall obey!"

"Long live my emperor."

From the dock to the mudflats, and then to the rocky cliffs on the shore, a dark mass of people knelt down.

Accompanied by the salty sea breeze, the Grand Eunuch unfurled the gleaming imperial edict and proclaimed in a shrill voice: "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:"

"I have heard that the foundation of the state lies in virtue, merit, the well-being of the people, and the expansion of territory. Now we have Duke Dingguo, Yue Ling, my trusted advisor and a pillar of the nation. His life has been spent on the battlefield, quelling the Japanese pirates in the south, suppressing the barbarian invasions in the north, eliminating treacherous officials within the court, and defending against powerful enemies without. His achievements shine as brightly as the sun and moon, and his virtue matches the heavens and earth. Your prestige extends beyond the court, reaching throughout the land and winning the hearts of all people. The scene of farewells on the shore and the ships blocking the seas are proof of this."

"My relationship with you is not merely that of ruler and subject, but also that of bosom friends. However, all good things must come to an end, and even the most powerful dragon cannot be confined to a shallow pond. Your ambition lies in the four seas, and your grand plans surpass those of your predecessors. Although I am reluctant to part with you, I do not wish to diminish your lofty aspirations."

"This imperial edict hereby decrees: Your Excellency shall bear the imperial insignia and ride in the imperial banners. Wherever you go, all foreign nations shall regard you as if you were personally present! Wherever the sun and moon shine, wherever the ocean reaches, all foreign lands shall pay homage to Your Excellency with the rites due to the Emperor of Great Chang. Your Excellency may act on behalf of Heaven to proclaim civilization, bestow titles upon kings, expand the territory of our Chinese nation, and spread our glorious civilization."

"Furthermore, if I were to one day pass away, and my three sons were all incompetent and unfit to inherit the throne, Your Excellency should consider the well-being of the people and the safety of the nation, return from overseas, take control of the government, and replace me! This is not empty talk; my heart is clear, heaven and earth bear witness, and all officials and people are my testimonies!"

"May your journey be smooth and your sails steady as you cross the seas."

"Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the king; on the shores of the earth, all people are subjects of the king. You shall proclaim the glory and prestige of China and forever govern the six directions and eight wastelands!"

"Appreciate this!"

After the imperial edict was read, the dock fell into a deathly silence, with only the howling sea breeze and the waves crashing against the ship's hull.

If the edict of self-reproach is the most difficult imperial decree for an emperor to issue, then this one is even more shocking to everyone. Yue Ling's departure to sea was not due to Emperor Longyou's intention to exclude him; on the contrary, he was given the best ships, supplies, and soldiers, and even entrusted with the future of the country before his departure.

How can the word "friend" alone represent this?

Yue Ling's arms trembled slightly as he accepted the imperial edict with both hands. Amidst the watchful eyes of the people, he boarded the treasure ship and raised its sails.

"weigh anchor!"

……

"Still thinking about what's happening on the shore?"

On the deck of the ship, Lin Daiyu, dressed in colorful clothes, took Yue Ling's arm and watched the lights on the nearby shore with him, which now resembled only stars.

Yue Ling sighed and said, "There's nothing to miss. The road has been paved; it needs more people to walk it, not just me pushing it forward alone."

"Rather than going against the tide alone, it is better to become a dragon, making everyone fearful and forced to take the righteous path."

Lin Daiyu nodded, "It's good that my husband has thought it through. We are all behind you, supporting you. Today is our sisters' wedding, so let's not keep them waiting too long, shall we?"

The ship that Yue Ling was on was quite different.

The deck was guarded by the mansion's personal guards, while upstairs, the eaves and windowsills were covered with red flowers.

Each floor is designed like a mansion, with main rooms, side rooms, bedrooms, and tea rooms, which are separated from each other but connected to each other inside and out.

Yue Ling can walk from this ship to any place to rest.

The main hall on the fifth floor was the residence of Yue Ling and Lin Daiyu, while only the two of them and their maid lived on this floor.

Now, in the hall, Lin Daiyu sits high on the platform, preparing for her wedding with Yue Ling with each of her sisters who are covered with red silk, a lively affair.

The wedding ceremony had been performed more than a dozen times. Each time, as Yue Ling and the bride held the red silk ribbon, Yue Ling couldn't even tell who was who anymore, and he went through the ceremony in a daze.

But once the ceremony was over and the brides returned to their bedrooms downstairs, the most troublesome thing for Yue Ling was just beginning.

After bidding farewell to Lin Daiyu, Yue Ling resolutely embarked on his journey.

The once bustling hall was now deserted, and only the maidservants remained to keep Lin Daiyu company.

Lin Daiyu leaned on the tea table, gazing intently at the red flowers scattered on the floor, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Xueyan, who was with her, was sitting at the table with her daughter Yue Meng, one big and one small, wolfing down their food.

"Mother, Madam doesn't seem very happy."

Yue Meng pointed at Lin Daiyu sitting on the seat with the chicken leg in her hand, and turned her head to ask Xueyan.

Xueyan put another piece of cod into her mouth before saying, "It's alright, it will be fine after this day."

"Really? Then why have all the aunties who came earlier disappeared?"

"Isn't it just as good that we're not seeing each other? It'll just be the two of us, mother and daughter, eating, then no one will come and steal our food!"

“Mother is right.”

Xueyan tapped Yue Meng on the back of the head and said, "Speak less during meals in the future."

……

Yue Ling descended the ship floor by floor, as if he were going through a series of dungeons. Every time he opened a door, his mana would be deducted, and his experience points would also be reduced.

Having experienced Xiangling's gentleness, Yuanyang and Zijuan's awkwardness, Qingwen's straightforwardness, Miaoyu's elegant attire and Xing Xiuyan's innocence, Xue Baoqin's radiance, Qin Keqing's allure, the four beauties' diverse charms in teasing Yue Ling, and Shi Xiangyun's carefree nature, when Yue Ling finally arrived at Xue Baochai's door, even with his extraordinary physique, he was now weak and listless.

It was past dawn, but Xue Baochai was still sitting by the couch, her head covered, waiting.

Ying'er thought her young lady had gone mad; with so many girls and maids, how could the master possibly take care of them all?

But Xue Baochai insisted that he would come.

Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door, and Ying'er, who was nearby, jumped up from her seat.

"Master, is it you?"

A soft reply came from outside, "Yes."

When Yue Ling entered the room, he was unsteady on his feet, and Ying'er had to step forward to support him.

When the jade scepter was lifted, Xue Baochai's beautiful face showed signs of fatigue.

"Master, why don't we rest for today? Now that we have a formal title and can enjoy our love, there's no need to rush. You've just arrived at sea, so you should take care of your health."

"Alright then, I'll make it up to you when you wake up tomorrow. I'm sorry you had to suffer."

Xue Baochai shook her head and helped Yue Ling change his clothes.

Yue Ling insisted, "Wait a minute, we have to drink the nuptial wine before it's over."

Xue Baochai smiled radiantly, genuinely feeling that she had never misjudged anyone, and that there was no greater blessing in the world than to be with the person before her.

"Very well, sir, raise your cup. I, Baochai, take this wine as my witness. The road ahead may be long, but I am willing to be of one heart and mind with you. Though there may be many difficulties, I will not regret it."

Before Xue Baochai could even react after finishing her wine, something moist and warm was imprinted on her lips.

Ying'er jumped up shyly and hurriedly fled into the side room.
-
Years later, in Yangzhou City...

As the large ship docked, Lin Ruhai, his temples now streaked with gray, stood guard at the bridgehead. His figure was slightly hunched, but his complexion remained ruddy, and his eyes were fixed intently on the deck.

Two concubines accompanied him from behind, both gazing into the distance.

Wooden ladders were set up on the deck, and carriages were lowered in a row, gradually blending into the crowd.

"Father, we're back. Children, quickly call him Grandpa."

"Grandpa!"

Five dolls, three boys and two girls, ran out from beside Lin Daiyu and circled around Lin Ruhai's legs.

Lin Ruhai was overjoyed, picking up each child to recognize them. Even when his grandson plucked a few hairs from his beard, he praised his strong hands.

But his good fortune didn't last long; soon he saw a figure he found repulsive.

"Father-in-law."

How long do you plan to stay in Beijing after this trip?

"Things are peaceful outside, and nothing is certain yet."

The conversation between the father-in-law and son-in-law remained subdued, but Lin Ruhai's loving expression towards his child was undeniable, prompting Yue Ling to remark, "It's true what they say, grandparents and grandchildren are so close."

Just then, two young girls, about half a year old, ran down from the carriage behind Lin Ruhai.

"Brother-in-law, brother-in-law, we've missed you so much!"

Lin Ruhai's eyes blazed with fury. "Go back to the sea and continue being your overlord!"

Yue Ling: "...I really didn't mean to use the same trick again."

(End of the book)

(End of this chapter)